#United States #Piedmont Advantage #Winston-Salem #Sandy Milton #Carolinas Credit Union

Celebrating Sandy Milton's Remarkable Journey at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

Sandy Milton, the Chief Operating Officer of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, has been honored with the prestigious Carolinas Credit Union Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2025. This accolade recognizes her four decades of unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership within the credit union sector. The award ceremony will be held on February 11, 2026, during the Foundation's Annual Awards Gala in Concord, North Carolina.

Milton's nomination was submitted by Dion Williams, the President and CEO of Piedmont Advantage, who highlighted the extensive impact her contributions have made on the credit union movement. Williams remarked, "For more than 40 years, Sandy has led with a rare blend of vision, innovation, and pragmatism. She has consistently elevated member service, modernized operations, promoted digital transformation, and mentored future leaders who will continue to drive this movement forward for years to come."

Since becoming the COO in 2024, after an impressive 11 years with the organization, Milton has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have dramatically improved both customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies. Under her guidance, the credit union revamped call center workflows, halving wait times while enhancing employee training and satisfaction. This major operational overhaul significantly bolstered the overall service levels at the credit union.

Moreover, Milton played a vital role in aligning the marketing and sales sectors of Piedmont Advantage, integrating analytical capabilities that have improved campaign effectiveness and enabled detailed performance tracking. This strategic approach has cultivated stronger member relations and has advanced the credit union’s outreach efforts. Milton expressed her heartfelt gratitude for receiving this honor, stating, “The credit union movement has given me more purpose than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful to have been part of a mission that not only improves financial lives but also strengthens the communities we call home. Working alongside teammates who truly believe in people helping people has been the privilege of my career.”

Another significant initiative under Milton’s leadership is the promotion of financial wellness tools, which empower frontline employees to earn certified financial counselor credentials. This emphasis on professional development helps maintain the human element in financial services amid operational modernization.

In addition to Milton’s esteemed recognition, Piedmont Advantage was also awarded the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for its exemplary community engagement efforts. The credit union's charitable foundation, established in 2020, has successfully raised and allocated over $100,000 to assist various North Carolina charities. These funds have facilitated access to financial literacy programs, emergency assistance, and training aimed at overcoming financial hardships.

Every Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day, while many organizations take a break, Piedmont Advantage employees dedicate their time to volunteer in local nonprofits during their annual Simply Service® Day. This practice not only uplifts the communities they serve but also exemplifies the core cooperative principles of the credit union's mission.

As Williams expressed, "This recognition celebrates the cooperative model at its best. When we invest in belonging, the communities we're privileged to serve thrive."

About Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
Founded in 1949 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union was established to support the financial needs of Piedmont Aviation and its employees. Over the years, it has grown to serve a diverse membership spanning six counties in North Carolina. As a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, Piedmont Advantage continues to maintain a strong aviation presence with multiple branches and ATMs throughout its service regions.

Sandy Milton's remarkable journey and exemplary leadership not only highlight her extraordinary contributions but also underscore the values that define the heart of credit unions. Her ongoing efforts ensure that the mission of financial empowerment continues to thrive within the community.